Green logistics: trend or necessity?

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Contrary to what one might think, global warming is not a mere product of human imagination . In fact, it is no surprise that environmental preservation is a growing concern and that more and more organizations are choosing to reinvent processes in order to reduce their environmental impact . Given that the last 20 years have been the hottest ever and that there is a scientific consensus attesting to the seriousness of climate change at a global level, logistics companies feel compelled to act , which is why the concept of Green Logistics or Eco Logistics was born .

What is Green Logistics?

Given the impact of conventional logistics activities (which include the kenya whatsapp number database of goods, storage, inventory management, material handling and the entire process of sharing and processing adjacent information), it was felt necessary to find sustainable alternatives capable of responding to the demands of climate change.

Thus, the main objective of Green Logistics is to coordinate logistics activities in order to meet customer requirements with the lowest possible cost and impact. Green Logistics is therefore concerned with reducing waste and formulating environmentally friendly strategies , forming a bridge between the economic objectives of companies and the environmental interests of society and the planet .

Green Logistics: the color of the State of the Art

In today's highly competitive environment, Green Logistics is gaining more and more followers . Since it plays an important role in improving and optimizing the freight and goods transportation system, it ends up streamlining the purchase and sale of products. Using technology, such as WMS (Warehouse Management System) , it is possible to reduce transportation costs or increase the traceability and control of goods .

Contrary to what one might expect, Green Logistics has served as a driver of economic growth. The dematerialization of processes , the digitalization of documents and electronic transactions are today the approaches most adopted by consumers.

Convenience and speed of consumption are characteristics that, combined with sustainability, capture the consumer's interest and help build a socially responsible image of the brand, whatever it may be.

How to be Green in Logistics?

To adopt Green Logistics, companies in the sector are beginning to implement measures to reduce their environmental footprint . These include, for example, the use of eco-friendly materials , increased efficiency in the storage process (placing more items in the same space and organising materials according to FIFO, FEFO, LIFO or other logics), optimising picking and packing processes (only sending a truck when it is fully loaded) or effective route planning (choosing the best route in order to be more efficient in managing deliveries and at the same time reducing CO2 emissions ).

The Nike example
Nike , the American sportswear brand, has been making great strides towards Green Logistics. According to an article written by Matthew Kish , a reporter for the Portland Business Journal , the North American giant opened, in 2019 , a 1.5 million square meter distribution center in Ham, Belgium, with the aim of reinforcing the company's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.

The complex, powered entirely by renewable energy , serves the purpose of supplying customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The strategic location of Nike ’s European Logistics Campus has increased the brand’s responsiveness to the rapidly accelerating digital economy, enabling it to serve its closest customers faster and with fewer carbon emissions. In addition, 75% of all Nike products contain some form of recycled material.

Green Logistics: just another trend?

It can be said that, in times of awareness of environmental issues, the glass is half full.

Although relatively recent, Green Logistics has long since ceased to be a trend. More than that, it is a necessity. Currently, several multinational companies linked to logistics have well-defined strategies for preserving and protecting the environment.

Among the various benefits associated with Green Logistics, it is important to recognize that, in addition to being environmentally friendly, it is a true competitive advantage, as it generates greater efficiency.

Today's consumer, while being informed and properly educated, does not buy lightly. He is aware of the true dimension of what at first glance may seem like a "small measure towards sustainability" . He values ​​"green" companies that demonstrate social responsibility, ensuring the preservation of a world that belongs to everyone!